Tamas Kadar may start for NUFC v Barnsley

CHRIS HUGHTON has revealed Hungarian defender Tamas Kadar is in contention to star at left-back for Newcastle against Barnsley – if Jose Enrique fails to recover in time from his long-standing hamstring injury.

CHRIS HUGHTON has revealed Hungarian defender Tamas Kadar is in contention to star at left-back for Newcastle against Barnsley – if Jose Enrique fails to recover in time from his long-standing hamstring injury.

Kadar and Ryan Taylor are both standing by to step in at left-back against the Tykes.

Kadar last appeared for United in the 5-1 hammering of Cardiff City last month, when he made a cameo appearance for the Magpies at St James’ Park.

But he was in action last night for the Hungarian Under-21 side against Italy in Rieti, and with Patrick Van Aanholt now back at Chelsea, Kadar takes a step closer to first-team involvement.

The young Magyar, who turns 20 later this month, has cut a frustrated figure on the bench in recent weeks, and was keen to show what he could do when Enrique was injured in January.

Hughton told the Chronicle: “He’s a young lad, and when he’s come in, he’s done well for us.

“What you certainly need is experienced players in that position, but Tamas can come in as well.

“I think he is is a centre-half – that’s his more natural position – but he can play at left-back too.”

And Hughton has not ruled out Kadar, who has made nine appearances this term, playing a part in the final 13 games, despite such great form in the heart of the defence from Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson.

Hughton added: “It’s very much about getting experience for him.

“The best thing for him at the moment is that he gains experience coming on in games, and being around training with the first team.

“He is still developing. He missed a fair bit of last season through injury.”

Kadar broke his leg in a challenge with Jordan Henderson in the reserve team’s 2-1 win away to Sunderland last season, but made a full recovery, with Hughton elevating the eastern European to the first-team pool last July.